UNITED NATIONS – Britain says it hopes for a vote in the coming days on a U.N. Security Council resolution that would authorize the European Union and individual countries to take "enforcement action" on the high seas off Libya against boats suspected of smuggling migrants and refugees to Europe.

Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said Wednesday the Libyan government has approved the EU mission. He expressed hope for a vote possibly this week with a high number of "yes" votes.

But Russia's deputy ambassador Petr Iliichev said "we still have concerns" about the proposed resolution, which also would allow the seizure and destruction of boats after migrants are taken to safety.

African countries have objected to the resolution being drafted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, meaning it can be militarily enforced.